- Rosalie Malo | annexe
- Oct 22
- 3 min read
Gala Talent 2025
A Grand Lyric Evening in Support of Emerging Artists
November 11 at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts
Montréal, October 22, 2025 — For the second consecutive year, Opéra de Montréal opens the doors of its flagship benefit event to the general public: the Gala Talent. A true celebration of the lyric arts, this exceptional evening shines a spotlight on the next generation while providing tangible support to the artists who will inspire audiences here and abroad for years to come.
For two years now, the public has had the privilege of discovering the finalists of the Atelier lyrique National Auditions. The artists have been selected from among more than 144 promising young talents following a cross-Canada audition tour (Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montréal). These outstanding performers will take the stage at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier for a concert full of emotion, followed by a philanthropic gourmet dinner and exclusive encounters with Montréal’s vibrant opera community. The 2025 finalists will be announced at a later date.
Spectators are invited to an unforgettable experience on November 11. In an atmosphere filled with generosity and emotion, the audience will have the chance to vote for their favorite emerging artist of the evening. To contribute to this exceptional event, tickets are available at operademontreal.com.
All funds raised during the Gala Talent will be donated to the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal, a residency program dedicated to training and promoting the next generation of Canadian opera talent.
Awards presented during the evening:
Jury Prize ($10,000) — generously offered by Ms. Vanda Treiser
Stingray Star Prize ($5,000) — awarded by audience vote on site
$1,000 Bursaries for each finalist — offered by Fondation Jacqueline Desmarais
2024 Gala Talent Winners: Rising Stars to Watch
Four finalists from the 2024 Gala Talent have officially joined the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal:
Tessa Fackelmann, mezzo (Ottawa, ON)
Ellita Gagner, mezzo (Halifax, NS)
Colin Mackey, baritone (St. John’s, NL)
Dante Mullin Santone, baritone (Sudbury, ON)
“The Gala Talent is the culmination of our national auditions, which bring together the finest young lyric talents in the country. It embodies everything we stand for: artistic excellence, mentorship, and community connection. By supporting this event, the public helps these artists pave their way forward.”
— Jennifer Szeto, General Director, Opéra de Montréal
Gala Talent: A Thriving and International Next Generation
The impact of the Gala Talent is truly a springboard for emerging artists, offering them a prestigious first stage and tangible support toward international recognition. The event has already revealed promising artists who now enjoy flourishing professional careers.
Updates from some of our alumni:
Sarah Dufresne (2022–2025): Frasquita in Carmen at La Scala; Woodbird in Siegfried at the Royal Opera House; Gilda in Rigoletto at Vancouver Opera
Angelo Moretti, tenor (2022–2025): Artist-in-residence at the Canadian Opera Company; Benvolio in Roméo et Juliette; Semi-finalist at the OSM Competition
Sophie Naubert, soprano (2023–2025): Zerlina in Don Giovanni (Opéra de Montréal); Cunegonde in Candide and Olympia in The Tales of Hoffmann (Theater Lübeck)
Ian Sabourin, countertenor (2023–2025): Cover for Orfeo (Orfeo and Euridice, Canadian Opera Company); Semi-finalist at the OSM Competition
Emma Fekete, soprano (2022–2024): Adina in L’Elisir d’amore at the Opéra de Bordeaux; Berthe in Le Prophète at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
World-Class Training Supported by Public Generosity
As a leading residency program for Canadian opera artists, the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal offers an immersive training program at the heart of the institution — a true bridge between learning and a professional career. Thanks to the generosity of the public and donors, young talents benefit from exceptional mentorship through masterclasses led by world-renowned artists and educators such as François Racine, Stephen Lawless, Laura Brooks Rice, and conductors Simon Rivard, Giovanni Reggioli, and Naomi Woo.
Gala Talent 2025
The Gala Talent will be hosted by Caroline Gélinas, mezzo (Atelier lyrique 2017), and Andrea Núñez, soprano (Atelier lyrique 2020) — both former residents of the Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal. This bilingual evening (in French and English) will be filled with discovery, warmth, and passion.
Tickets are on sale now at operademontreal.com.
ABOUT THE OPÉRA DE MONTRÉAL
Firmly rooted in Montréal, at the crossroads of North American and European cultures, the Opéra de Montréal acts as a catalyst for the city’s artistic creativity and celebrates Québec and Canada’s rich vocal heritage. Bringing opera to life in all its diversity and daring, the company presents both the great classics of the repertoire and new works from here and abroad. Through its development program for Canada’s top young singers and its strong commitment to community and educational initiatives, the Opéra de Montréal creates unforgettable lyric events where everyone feels warmly welcomed and inspired.
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Source: L'Opéra de Montréal
Pour plus d'informations:
Lyne Dutremble | annexe | lyne@annexe.media
Et/ou Maryse Bouchard | annexe | maryse@annexe.media
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